Excavator Operator

Suburban Enterprises • Appleton, WI

3d

About The Position

The Excavator Operator operates excavating equipment to dig, move, and grade soil, rock, and other materials for construction and other projects. The role includes monitoring equipment performance, conducting routine maintenance, following safety protocols, reading plans, coordinating with team members, and assisting with project layout and material handling. The operator helps ensure work is accurate, timely, and compliant with safety standards.

The operator performs the company's excavating work, including trenching, lot pole bases, and flat work for generator pads. This position leads the excavating job site while working with a supervisor or lead foreman, and may coordinate with a helper or spotter. It also assists estimating by creating job quotes and proposals, supports equipment setup and secure storage, and may cross-train with the Field Services team in tools, shipping and receiving, deliveries, and inventory.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 2–5 years of experience operating excavators or similar heavy machinery.
• Proficiency in operating, maintaining, and performing basic troubleshooting on excavators or similar heavy machinery.
• Technical knowledge of how to properly use equipment needed for the job.
• Expert knowledge of the types of materials being moved, dug, loaded, or unloaded.
• Knowledge of how to read and interpret blueprints, drawings, and designs.
• Understanding of how to conduct pre-operational equipment checks and maintain equipment.
• Strong knowledge of job-site safety requirements.
• Ability to respond effectively to operational challenges and equipment issues.
• Excellent verbal communication skills for coordinating with project leads.
• Spatial awareness and strong attention to detail.
• Competence with relevant computer applications, including MS Word and Excel.

Nice To Haves

• Vocational or technical training in heavy equipment operation.
• CDL or the ability to obtain a CDL, if necessary.

Responsibilities

• Perform all excavating work for the company.
• Operate appropriate machinery to excavate, clear, move, load, and unload materials or cargo.
• Conduct pre-operation inspections, perform routine maintenance and basic repairs, and report malfunctions.
• Refer to blueprints, designs, or drawings to determine job requirements.
• Perform trenching, lot pole bases, and flat work for generator pads.
• Maintain a clean and organized job site.
• Lead the excavating job site while working with a supervisor or lead foreman, and coordinate with any onsite helper or spotter.
• Assist estimating with creating quotes and proposals for jobs.
• Assist in the setup, relocation, and secure storage of excavators and related tools.
• Follow OSHA standards, use personal protective equipment (PPE), and maintain a clean, organized work area.
• Cross-train with and assist the Field Services team in tools, shipping and receiving, deliveries, and inventory when needed.

Benefits

• Employee ownership through the ESOP.
• 401(k) with employer match.
• No healthcare premium increases for 4 years.
• Competitive pay.
• Professional development and continuous learning.
• Career growth and opportunities for advancement.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: High school or GED